As per the report released by UN on number of newborn deaths, India is among the other five countries responsible for 50% of total newborn deaths globally. Pakistan, Nigeria, Congo and Ethiopia are the other countries.

The report named as “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality 2017” stated that in 2016, 5.6 million children died under the age of five years. However this figure is very less as compared to 2000 when the total number of children died below five years age were 9.9 million.

Neonatal deaths (deaths during the first 28 days of life) accounted for 46 per cent or 7,000 every day.

In terms of percentage India was accountable for 24% new-born deaths deaths, Pakistan 10%, Nigeria has accounted 9%, 4% in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia accounted for 3% deaths.

Diseases which caused death:

Pneumonia and diarrhoea were the two diseases responsible for the death of children under 5 years age as per the report. Pneumonia caused 16% deaths whereas diarrhoea caused 8% of deaths. Thirty per cent of newborns succumbed to preterm birth complications and complications during labour or child birth last year.

According to report released by the UNICEF, World Health Organisation, World Bank and the Population Division of UNDESA, if the deaths of children under the age of five years will continue with this pace, 60 million children would die before their fifth birthday between 2017 and 2030.